March 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern
Online (Zoom)
Why You Should Consider a Career in Wills, Estates and Trusts
Are you deciding which area of law to pursue? Curious about estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation? This panel will provide a realistic picture of what estates practice looks like in its many forms.
Join the Canadian Bar Association’s Wills, Estates and Trusts Section for a national brown bag that will explore why estates law is a growing and durable area of practice in Canada, driven by demographic change, increasing intergenerational wealth transfers, complex family structures, and a rise in estate-related disputes. The panel will also explain why estates law is particularly attractive to young lawyers starting their careers.
Who Should Attend?
- Law students at any stage
- Articling students and junior lawyers
- Anyone exploring practice areas or considering a future in estates law
No prior experience in wills and estates is required.
| TIME |
EVENT |
|
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm
|
Welcome and Introduction
Speaker: Eleanor Carlson, Carbert Waite LLP (Calgary, AB)
|
|
12:05 pm – 1:00 pm
|
SESSION 1
This session will introduce you to the diverse and rewarding world of wills, trusts, and estates, including:
- What a typical day looks like in estate planning, administration, and litigation practices?
- How estates practice differs across Canadian jurisdictions and where it remains consistent?
- Why estate disputes are increasing and how that shapes estates litigation?
- What responsibility junior lawyers can realistically expect early in an estates practice?
- Which skills translate across planning, administration, and litigation work?
- What misconceptions law students and junior lawyers often have about estates law?
Speakers:
David Hunter, Hamilton Duncan Law Corporation (Surrey, BC)
Melissa Saunders, Saunders, Collins & Loeb Law (St John’s, NL)
Andrea Charlie, Robertson Stromberg LLP (Saskatoon, SK)
Moderator: Eleanor Carlson, Carbert Waite LLP (Calgary, AB)
|
|
1:00 pm – 1:15 pm
|
Group Q&A
Facilitated by the moderator with all speakers present. Attendees will be able to ask general questions to the panel.
|
|
1:15 – 1:30 pm
|
Breakout Rooms – Individual Q&A
Attendees will split into two breakout rooms, featuring speakers for more focused discussions and questions.
|
Registration Fees
CBA Members: FREE
Non-Members: $60
Plus applicable taxes
Membership
Become a Member and take advantage of our Student rates.
Contact our Member Services team in Ottawa by email or by phone at 1-800-267-8860.
